How a British doctor’s repair cafe is helping Jaffa residents fix, mend and connect
From broken jewellery to faulty appliances, a volunteer-led project founded by a former NHS paediatrician is quietly bringing people together in one of Israel’s most diverse cities
On most Fridays, the historic port of Jaffa attracts tourists, shoppers and diners. But tucked away inside Container House near the waterfront, a different kind of gathering has been taking place.
Residents arrive carrying torn clothing, tangled necklaces, faulty vacuum cleaners and broken household items. Instead of being told to replace them, they are met by a team of volunteers determined to help restore them.
The project, known as the Jaffa Port Repair Cafe, was founded by British-born former NHS paediatrician Carly Fertleman after she moved to Israel in 2024.
Part of a global movement that encourages people to repair rather than throw away damaged possessions, the initiative has already repaired 125 of the 135 items brought through its doors.
What makes the project stand out, however, is not simply the number of successful repairs. It is the mix of people behind them.
Fertleman, who spent 35 years working in Britain’s healthcare system, launched the project after realising there was no local Repair Cafe in Jaffa.
What began as a small community idea has grown into a regular fixture, attracting volunteers from Britain, America and Israel, alongside visitors from across the city.
Among the most enthusiastic is Mitchell, a 73-year-old Londoner who moved to Jaffa last year and now spends his time fixing everything from broken door handles to household appliances.
“It’s a lovely experience for me to help people and see the smile on their faces,” he said. “It makes them happy – like you and your doorknob!”
Mitchell said he explored much of Israel before deciding where to settle.
“I went to Haifa, Netanya, I went to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv – and I fell in love with Jaffa,” he said.
“I just love it here. I’ve got Arab friends, Israeli friends, Greek Orthodox, Armenians, people from Yemen, it’s just crazy. It’s a very vibrant, energetic, young city – and that’s me.”
The project has become particularly popular among new immigrants looking to establish roots in Israel.
Volunteers often help newcomers adapt appliances brought from overseas, while the social side of the project has proved just as important as the practical repairs.
Another regular volunteer is Rae, a former nurse turned silversmith who helps restore treasured jewellery and family heirlooms.
“I’m still an open clinic for family and friends. I love it, and jewellery is similar. They bring me their precious items and say, ‘Can you save it?’” she said.
“It’s not about which job you choose, but the spirit you bring to the role.”
Rae admitted that the war affected her creative work for months.
“Covid was fine. The war… I really had like an entire year where I just was completely uninspired. It just didn’t seem relevant.”
She eventually joined the Repair Cafe after being invited by Fertleman.
“Carly is a friend of mine, and I love her creativity. She’s just an extremely creative person, and I love being around that energy. When she asked me, it was a no-brainer.”
The atmosphere is far removed from a traditional repair shop.
Visitors chat over coffee while volunteers work through piles of clothing, jewellery and gadgets. Friendships have formed, language exchanges have emerged, and many participants now return as much for the company as for the repairs.
Simon, another volunteer involved in running the project, said his own experience of moving to Israel had been transformed by the connections he had made.
After returning to the country, he found work teaching English to Charedi students studying alongside their Torah learning.
“They’re very interested in me as a secular Jew, and I’ve gotten to know a whole side of Israeli society that you see on the TV, yet never get any access to,” he said.
“It’s wonderful.”
“I was nervous to return, and it has done a lot to regenerate and re-engineer my self-confidence.”
While many visitors arrive with practical problems, organisers believe the project’s real value lies elsewhere.
“For me, this is what it’s always about,” Fertleman said. “The building of a community.”
The Repair Cafe continues to expand its range of services and is looking for additional volunteers, including bicycle mechanics and furniture repair specialists. Future plans also include introducing kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold resin.
In a city often defined by its diversity, the cafe has become a place where long-time residents and new arrivals, religious and secular Jews, Arabs and immigrants can sit side by side while a broken zip, necklace or appliance is given a second life.
For Fertleman and her volunteers, that may be the most important repair of all.
The next Jaffa Port Repair Cafe will take place on Friday, 26 June at Container House, Jaffa. For more information or to volunteer, click here.
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